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Play-Doh Planets

This activity requires the pupils to work in small groups of 2-3. They will follow the step-by-step instructions to create the planets of the Solar System to scale. This activity shows the pupils the differences in size between Earth and the other planets.

Resources

Each group will need:

A printed copy of the worksheet (see below)

3 tubs of play-doh.

A set of planet name cards (so the pupils can place their planets).

A ruler or piece of stiff card to cut the play-doh.

Tips

The pupils should be told to roll the play-doh into a 'sausage' shape as this will be far easier to divide equally into 8, than a spherical ball of play-doh.

Age Suitability:

5 to 7

7 to 11

1. Mix together all 3 tubs of Play-Doh.

2. Divide the whole ball of Play-Doh into 8 equal parts.
Hint: You may find it easier to roll the ball into a sausage shape then
divide that up.
Add 5 parts together to create the planet Jupiter
Roll 1 part to create the planet Saturn

3. Add the remaining 2 parts and then cut into 8 equal parts
Take 2 parts and combine with your existing Jupiter ball
Take 2 parts and combine with your existing Saturn ball
Use 1 part to create Neptune
Use 1 part to create Uranus

4. Add the remaining 2 parts and then cut into 8 equal parts
Take 3 parts and combine them with your existing Jupiter ball
Take 3 parts and combine them with your existing Saturn ball

5. Add the 2 remaining pieces and then cut into 8 equal parts
Use 1 part to create the Earth
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Saturn ball
Take 3 parts and combine with your existing Neptune ball

6. Add the remaining 3 pieces and cut into 8 equal parts
Roll 2 parts into Venus
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Neptune ball
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Uranus ball

7. Add the remaining 4 pieces and cut into 8 equal parts
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Jupiter ball
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Uranus ball
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Neptune ball

8. Add the 5 remaining pieces and cut into 8 equal parts
Use 1 part to create Venus
Use 1 part to create Mars
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Earth ball
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Jupiter ball

9. Add the remaining 4 pieces and cut into 8 equal parts
Use 1 part to create Mercury
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Venus ball
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Saturn ball
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Uranus ball
Take 1 part and combine with your existing Neptune ball